Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM)

“F126” by John McDermott Artist on permanent exhibition at CTCRM

I was deeply honoured to be invited as a VIP guest of Colonel Innes Catton, Commandant of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), to attend their Passing Out Parade on 13th December 2024. The day began with a fascinating and educational presentation about the Commandos' mission, vision, and future initiatives. This was followed by the prestigious issuing of the Green Beret to the newly qualified Commandos and witnessing their impressive Passing Out Parade, culminating in lunch with the Colonel and other guests.

I had the honour of gifting my late husband John's painting, "F126," to the Commando Training Centre. This artwork depicts a section of the pennant number on HMS Plymouth, a warship that played a pivotal role in the Falklands War including transporting Commandos. During battle, HMS Plymouth sustained significant damage, including four direct hits from 1000lb bombs, one of which went down the ship's funnel and set it ablaze. Whilst the relentless air attack continued, the ship was engulfed in flames and listing in the water, the crew continued to fight using handguns to fire at the aircraft bombers because that’s all they had left as their last means of defence. Miraculously, the bombs did not detonate, and because of their incredible bravery, everyone on board survived that harrowing day. John often recounted how they all believed they were facing their final moments. Their actions, along with all who serve, stand as a testament to the character, determination, resourcefulness, bravery, training, and immense sacrifices of our military personnel.

John, who served 28 years in the Royal Navy, was involved in all major conflicts during that time and was eventually diagnosed in 2009 with combat-related PTSD.  Experiences such as the Falklands Wars and all the other conflicts which saw him at the young age of 17, recovering dead bodies from the sea, and later, dealing with mass open grave disposals created by the local terrorists, left a deep mark and took a toll on him.  John also served as a United Nations representative, where he faced gun-wielding militia unarmed, relying on his Royal Navy training and personal fortitude to make a difference.

Together, John and I founded and managed two Community Interest Companies: Aftermath PTSD, which raised awareness about the hidden costs of war, and Art for Heroes, which offered art workshops as respite for sufferers. We reached over 250k people nationwide and raised more than £10k for the Royal British Legion through the sale of John’s artworks.

John’s painting "F126" now proudly hangs in the Commando Centre's Officer's Mess. I feel deeply honoured to have been a small part of John's achievements and to be included by Colonel Catton in such a moving and memorable day of heartfelt remembrance and pride.

40th Anniversary of the Falkland Islands Liberation

It’s now three years since John passed away and words still fail me in describing the devastating loss of my wonderful Husband. John had such a warm and generous heart, with a deep insight and understanding of others situations and struggles.  His lovely softly spoken Scottish accent was wonderful to listen to and it soothed the soul of everyone who heard him speak. 

John gave so much to those around him and did an enormous amount for the Veteran Community in the UK and Norway.  He founded two Community Interest Companies, Aftermath PTSD, which raised awareness of combat related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, from which he also suffered and Art for Heroes, which used art to help provide respite to sufferers. 

A lot has happened since John passed, and this year, the Falkland Islands Government commemorated their 40th anniversary of their Liberation on 14th June 2022 with a year long celebration.  Which included the Falkland Islands Museum hosting an exhibition of John’s artworks and personal effects such as his uniform, easel and studio shoes.  He served in the Falklands War, on HMS Plymouth which had sustained four direct hits from 1000lbs bombs that miraculously didn’t explode. Whilst the ship was on fire and dead in the water, bombers were still firing and all they had were firearms to defend themselves.

It’s a very moving and poignant tribute that John’s art will continue to raise awareness of the hidden costs of war and that he will be forever remembered for all he gave and achieved.

John’s Easel and studio shoes with paintings, Grytvyken 1982 and The Sun Reader

John’s uniform, with paintings Hot Matter and Eden 2 South Atlantic